Types of Heavy Metals in Cannabis
At PPB Analytical, we test for heavy metals testing for cannabis plants. There are four different types of heavy metals that can be tested, which can be viewed down below.
Arsenic
Cadmium
Mercury
Why Test for Metals in Cannabis Plants?
The cannabis plant is an excellent bioremediator, soaking up a large majority of whatever the roots come in contact with. Even at extremely low levels, heavy metals such as lead and cadmium can be hazardous to one’s health. Here’s a closer look at some of the threats posed by cannabis heavy metals.
Lead (Pb) – Lead is a common environmental contaminant in the soil and air. Prolonged exposure is tied to a number of health complaints, including joint and muscle pain, headaches, fertility and reproductive problems, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Cadmium (Cd) – This heavy metal, a zinc byproduct, is commonly used in manufacturing processes. According to health regulators, cadmium is carcinogenic and can cause kidney failure and bone density loss. Cadmium has adverse effects on the body’s neurological, reproductive, renal, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems.
Mercury (Hg) – Studies indicate that mercury inhalation through smoking is more dangerous than exposure via ingestion, as the lungs are more efficient absorbers. Mercury poisoning is associated with neurological damage resulting in tremors, seizures, memory impairment, and motor control problems.
Arsenic (As) – Arsenic, even at low levels, is incredibly toxic to the human body. Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water is linked to cancers of the skin as well as hyperkeratosis and pigmentation problems. In toxic amounts, arsenic causes a sudden drop in blood pressure, vomiting, and ultimately death.
Common Testing Methods
The three most common equipment for testing metals in cannabis plants:
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass
Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
This is an accurate method of detecting metals in cannabis. It involves vaporizing the sample and ionizing the atoms using a plasma torch. The ions are then analyzed by a mass spectrometer to identify the metals.
Atomic Absorption
Spectroscopy (AAS)
This method involves atomizing the sample and then passing light through the resulting vapor. The amount of light absorbed by the sample is then measured to determine the concentration of metals present.
Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)
This method involves vaporizing the sample and analyzing the resulting emissions of light using a spectrometer. The wavelengths of light emitted by the sample can be used to identify and quantify the presence of metals.
A Breakdown of Metal Analysis Test
The procedure for metal testing in cannabis products generally involves the following steps:
Sample preparation: The cannabis product, such as flower, concentrate, or edible, is collected and prepared for testing. This may involve grinding or homogenizing the sample to ensure a representative sample is obtained.
Digestion: The sample is digested using an appropriate acid or solvent to break down the sample matrix and release the metals for analysis. The digestion process may involve heating or other treatments to ensure complete breakdown of the sample.
Instrumental analysis: The digested sample is then analyzed using one or more of the methods mentioned earlier, such as ICP-MS, AAS, XRF, ICP-OES, or FTIR. The instrument used for analysis will depend on the specific method chosen and the capabilities of the testing laboratory.
Data interpretation: The results of the analysis are interpreted to determine the concentration of metals in the sample. This is typically compared to regulatory limits or other established guidelines to determine if the sample is compliant.
Reporting: The results of the analysis are reported to the client or regulatory agency as required. The report should include the method used for analysis, the concentration of metals detected, and any relevant regulatory limits or guidelines.
